Unlike a push lawn mower that will consume your time and strain your muscles, a riding lawn mower saves you from physical exhaustion and time constraints, but that’s only if you know what to look for. If you don’t understand the characteristics, you will be left with a below average product that you may as well return.
When it comes to lawn mowing, I’ve personally sifted through countless options and selected the best small riding lawn mowers for you to consider. Trust me, these choices will offer you unmatched convenience.
Reviews of the Top Small Riding Lawn Mowers
1. Troy-Bilt 452CC Mustang Fit Riding Mower
Troy-Bilt 452CC is another efficient riding mower that would make an excellent option for your small-sized lawns. Unlike other zero-turn radius mowers under 5000, this machine is not bulky.
It has a 34″ cutting deck, capable of mowing the tall grasses on your lawns to a carpeted level. The mower is also slightly easy to maneuver, as its compact design allows you to navigate the mower through narrow roads.
Having tried out this mower myself, I must say its dual suspension springs do an outstanding job at absorbing impacts and bumps. This not only improves maneuverability but also shaves off some precious mowing time. And let’s not forget the seat – truly comfortable, allowing for even greater control and efficiency.
What I Like
- The seat is genuinely comfortable.
- The 2-year warranty provides peace of mind.
- Its quick maneuverability is a notable advantage compare to other models.
- Its cutting ability is top-notch.
What I Don't Like
- The lever feels a bit on the heavier side.
- It's not designed for zero turns.
2. Snapper 2911525 BVE Classic RER 28-Inch 11.5HP 344CC Rear Engine Riding Mower
The cutting power of this lawnmower is incredible, despite its small size. It is straightforward to use, thanks to its simplistic design and function.
The minimalistic design allows the machine to maneuver obstacles conveniently. The 28 inches turning radius allows you to move in between tight spaces that other types of mowers can’t.
Snapper 2911525 BVE has an efficient 28 inches cutting deck and has a 5-speed drive system that ensures your lawn is trimmed to the barest level. Plus, it comes with an 11.5HP, 344cc engine that’s capable of giving your yard an ideal cut in one quick pass [1].
What I Like
- Starting it up is a breeze.
- Cuts grasses fast and clean regardless of lawn conditions.
- The driving seat is notably tall and comfortable.
- Maneuvering it is straightforward.
- Storing it is hassle-free.
What I Don't Like
- It's not the best choice for expansive lawns.
- Don't expect it to pull heavy loads efficiently.
3. Husqvarna Z242F Hydrostatic Riding Mower
If you’re looking for a robust and durable mower that would suit your lawns without compromising comfort, you should consider Husqvarna Z242F.
Having examined this machine closely, I can vouch for its robust construction. With steel frames and a caster, it’s well-equipped to handle tall grasses and those stubborn lawns. Quite impressive, if you ask me.
Z242F comes with a powerful engine that delivers a top cutting speed of 6.5 mph, making it an ideal powerhouse for trimming mid-sized to large lawns. Plus, it has a 42” cutting deck for making quick cuts in one pass.
Thanks to this machine’s comfortable and adjustable seat design, you can mow for extended periods without feeling fatigued.
What I Like
- The user-friendliness stands out immediately.
- Its durability is commendable.
- The seat is both comfortable and adjustable, which I appreciate.
- Packs a powerful engine under the hood.
- Perfectly suited for mid-sized to large lawns.
What I Don't Like
- It's on the pricier side.
- It's a bit on the heavier end of the spectrum.
Small Riding Lawn Mowers Buyer’s Guide
From my years of experience, if you’re in the market for the best small riding lawn mower, here’s what you should keep an eye on to make an informed decision.
Build and Size
Although most riding mowers have the same build, they vary in size due to the cutting deck size. Lawn mowers come with a cutting deck size of 20″, 30″, 40″, and 50″.
They also vary in weight, as some come heavier than others. However, this depends on the cutting deck size, type, and engine size.
Type of Riding Mower
There are three distinct types of riding mowers, each tailored for specific lawn sizes. So, if you ask me, it is crucial to accurately assess your lawn size to determine the most suitable type for your needs.
There is the zero turning radius mower. This lawnmower type is known for its superb maneuverability. It makes a complete 360-degree turn without stopping. Plus, it’s fast, making it ideal for getting jobs done quickly.
The other type is the lawn tractors. This type of mower is large and designed for cutting grasses on extensive lawns. They are top-performing electric riding mowers for your lawn. However, there are smaller units designed for small-sized yards.
The third type is the rear engine riding mowers. This mower is compact and has its engine located at the back, as the name suggests. In terms of navigating obstacles, moving through tight spaces, ease of use, and storage, this type of mower is the best.
Cutting Deck Size
Even when you are buying a used riding lawn mower, this should still be your topmost priority when selecting small riding lawn mowers. The mower’s cutting deck size determines the size of grass that gets cut in one pass.
The larger the cutting deck size, the more grass width it cuts, and the fewer passes the mower has to make. So if you have a large lawn, consider getting a mower with a cutting deck size between 30″ to 40″.
For large cutting deck size, the Husqvarna MZ61 with 50-inch cutting deck is what I recommend.
Storage
As you already know, small riding mowers come in various sizes. The larger the size, the more space you need to store them when they are not used. Of course, there’s always an option to sell your old riding lawn mowers for $500 or higher to make space for when you have a new one, but for those who want to keep their old mowers, a more compact one is the best option.
Price and Warranty
Riding lawn mowers either with Kawasaki or Kohler engines vary in prices according to their functions, size, and features. For example, the zero turning radius mower is the most expensive type because of its incredible maneuverability and speed while the GARDENA SILENO Minimo, a riding lawn mower that is valued at under $800 and is considered one of the cheapest types, has limited mowing durations due to battery levels. You will barely encounter a riding mower not starting or no-clicking at a higher price range.
High-quality lawn riding mowers also come with different warranties. Some have a 2-year limited warranty, while others have a 3-year limited warranty.
FAQ
What Is The Smallest Size Riding Lawn Mower?
The smallest size riding lawn mower is Snapper 2911525 BVE Classic RER 28-Inch 11.5HP 344CC. It has a compact body and comes with a 28-inch cutting deck size.
My Top Pick for a Small Riding Lawn Mower: Husqvarna Z242F
Based on this review, I conclude that the Husqvarna Z242F Hydrostatic Riding Mower as my top pick.
This small riding lawn mower has a powerful engine and a massive cutting deck that ensures the grasses on your lawn are cut to the minimum and fast. It is sturdily built to withstand the rigorous cutting tasks, helping to maximize its lifespan.
Overall, this mower from Husqvarna performs incredibly, making it the best small riding lawn mower.
If you want to be more economical, I have a list of the best cheapest riding lawn mower here. Read next!
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
